Druk Path epitomizes Bhutan, the Land of Dragon Kingdom. This trek allows us to have access to the remote areas of Bhutan where we can witness the Alpine Lakes and the fascinating Himalayas. It is basically a short, moderate grade trek executed between the two beautiful valleys, viz. Paro and Thimpu that necessitates you to cross the chain of mountains separating them. This10 days’ trip catapults you to the lap of the nature and subsequently ends your quest for a well furnished cultural trip to Bhutan. The visitors can witness the rich culture of the Bhutanese people. Lively Rhododendron forests will greet your eyes throughout the trek. The route encapsulates the Phadjoding monastery, which is also one of the major tourist attractions in Bhutan.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Trip preparation and Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Paro (2200m/1 hr)
Day 04: Trek from Paro to Jele Dzong (1050m/4hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3760 m/5hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso Lake (3870 m/4hrs) via Jangchu La Pass (4180m)
Day 07: Trek from Jimilangtso Lake to Simikota Lake (4110m/5hrs)
Day 08: Trek from Simikota Lake to Phajoding (3750m/5hrs) via Labanla Pass (4210m)
Day 09: Trek from Phajoding to Thimphu (2350m/3hrs)
Day 10: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Day 11: Drive from Thimphu to Paro and fly from Paro to Kathmandu
Day 12: Final departure
Important Snippets
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks, which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
Bhutan Government owned, ‘Druk Air’, in the only operational airlines flying in and out of Bhutan. Hence, the ‘Druk Air’ tickets will have to be booked at least 2-3 months in advance as they get sold out pretty early.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your designated hotel. Once at the hotel, you are greeted with welcome drinks. We will then have a quick pre-trip meeting, where you are briefed on the trip itineraries and some formalities that ought to be pursued. Depending on the time remaining, you can either rest or stroll around the vicinity of your hotel to get the feel of this busy, colorful and energetic capital of Nepal. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 02: Trip preparation and Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)
Marron Treks will assist you in Trip Preparation and other formalities. After the completion of all the formalities, hop in to our transport vehicle for a guided tour to the most historical and renowned landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will be taking you to visit the renowned sites listed in the UNESCO world’s heritage list- the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. After this interesting and informative tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Paro (2200m/1 hr)
Airport Upon your arrival at Paro airport, our representative will be there to receive and transfer you to the hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and you may then proceed to your room to freshen up yourself and relax. After lunch, we will be heading for sightseeing to few of the well known places in Bhutan like Paro Dzong and National Museum. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 04: Trek from Paro to Jele Dzong (1050/4hrs)
Early Morning after breakfast we begin our trek to Jele Dzong which lasts for around 4-5 hours. We have to walk along the uphill route ascending 1050m. Overnight at camp in Jele Dzong; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 05: Trek from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3760m/5hrs)
Today we will be heading towards Jangchulakha where we visit a large monastery known as Jeli Dzong. Here we begin our trek along the ridge enjoying the view of Paro side valley which is at a distance of 10 kms and it takes about 5 hours to get there from Jele Dzong. Climbing through the thick Alpine and Rhododendron forests, we can get a picturesque view of Mt. Chomolhari and its surrounding mountains. Campsite at 3760 m elevation. Overnight at camp in Jangchulakha; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 06: Trek from Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso Lake (3870m/4hrs) via Jangchu
La Pass (4180m)
We trek alongside the ridge to a saddle at 4040 m and then slightly descend to follow the ridge back to Jangchu La pass. The trek covers the distance of 11 kms and lasts for around 4 hours. We will have the camp near the lake at an elevation of 3870 m. Overnight at camp in Jimilangtso Lake; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 07: Trek from Jimilangtso Lake to Simikota Lake (4110m/5hrs)
Traversing through the rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake, the trail passes by the yak herders’ camp. We trudge up to an altitude of 4150m and then carefully descend down the steep trail to the camp site at 4110m. With this, we have now travelled a distance of 11 kms in almost 5 hours . Overnight at camp in Simikota Lake; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 08: Trek from Simikota Lake to Phajoding (3750m/5hrs) via Labanla Pass
(4210m)
This will be our 6th day where we head from Simkota Lake to Phajoding. We trek gradually uphill and then climb Labanla Pass at 4210 m. The trail takes us to a long and steep descent past Thujidrag to Phajoding. Our camp will be near the hermitages and monasteries at 3750m. By now, we will have trekked nearly 10 kms in 5 hours. Overnight at camp in Phajoding; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 09: Trek from Phajoding to Thimphu (2350m/3hrs)
After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding we need to walk downhill through the area forested by blue pines. We have to walk some 5 kms for about 3 hours until get to our pick up vehicle to be finally transported to the overnight accommodation. We can utilize our leisure time exploring the nook and corners of Thimpu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10: Sightseeing in Thimphu
This would be our sightseeing day in Thimphu valley where we will be visiting National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and then the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Then we head towards to the National Memorial Chorten where we can hear the monks murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Finally, a visit to the government run Handicrafts Emporium and few local crafts shops would wind up the day for us. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 : Drive from Thimpu to Paro and fly from Paro to Kathmandu (1400m)
We will have breakfast and then proceed to check in for your flight. We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan and fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Take your time to relax and refresh yourself by indulging in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmadu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
Day 12: Final departure
Unless you would want to extend your trip and try out some of our other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc., this will be your last day in Nepal. A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the airport for the final departure to your homeland. Have a safe flight back home. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Important Snippets
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks, which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
Bhutan Government owned, ‘Druk Air’, in the only operational airlines flying in and out of Bhutan. Hence, the ‘Druk Air’ tickets will have to be booked at least 2-3 months in advance as they get sold out pretty early.
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar.
During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
While in Bhutan, you will be accommodated in 3-4 Star lodges and hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha etc as per your requirement.
Meals
We never compromise with the quality of food, as we are concerned about the health of our clients as well as staff members. Generally, we opt for the locally available fresh and nutritious community food, viz. dried meat cooked with hot chilies, Ema Datshi (vegetarian dish made out of cheese and chili) etc, so that you have the opportunity to taste something new and also get a real sense of the native culture and life patterns. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc. are also available at the restaurants for your retreat.
Best Months
The month of January-May & September-December are considered to be best months for Druk Path Trek.
Our Guides
Guides play the most significant role in trekking. Marron Treks has literate, experienced and helpful trekking guides who are multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to Bhutan. Hence your trek becomes informative as well as entertaining.
Access to enter Bhutan
Bhutan is well connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutanese Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom. The country's only airport is situated at Paro and two flights a week from Kathmandu (Nepal).
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you makes you trip safe and hassle free.
Bhutan Visa Requirement
Unlike other countries, Bhutanese Visa can be obtained only after entering the country itself as it does not have any embassy abroad. Hence, after Marron Treks receives your booking confirmation, you need to send us the details below along with the copies of your valid passport and recent PP sized photograph. We will then initiate your visa processing. It takes about 2 weeks for the visa to be granted. The visa application has to be submitted to the Department of Tourism in Bhutan and then finally it is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But we do not want you to get into the rigmaroles of doing this all by yourself. All you need to do is send us the details below (along with the copies of passport and recent pp sized photograph) and we will take care of the rest in coordination with our agent in Bhutan. You will get the visa upon your arrival at the airport in Bhutan. You are entitled to pay the nominal visa fee of US $20. Visa extension fee for a period not exceeding six months is NU510 (US $ 8.24). Since the tourist visas are issued for the full period of stay in Bhutan, it is very unlikely that you would need a visa extension. Please note that the above conditions apply to all the nationalities except the Indians. The Indian citizens do not require a visa or a passport, but they need to provide some form of identification such as a copy of driving license, citizenship etc. along with five copies of PP sized photographs. Generally, they are issued a permit of 14 days which can be extended as necessary.
Full Name: ……………………………………………………
Permanent Address: ………………………………………………
Place of Birth: ………………………………………………………
Date of Birth: ………………………………………………………
Nationality:…………………………………………………………
Nature of Passport: Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary/UN Laisser-Passer.
Passport Number: …………………………………………………
Date of Issue: …………………………………………………………
Place of Issue: ………………………………………………………
Date of Expiry:………………………………………………………
Occupation/Profession
Period for which visa is required: …………………………………
Point of Entry/Exit into Bhutan: Entry: ………………Exit: ………
Purpose of visiting Bhutan: …………………………………………
Is this first visit to Bhutan? YES /NO. If not, give details of your earlier visit.
For more queries, Visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at marketing@marrontreks.com
Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.
For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENTS
Needless to say that kitting and stuffing yourself out for a trek is almost a herculean task which keeps you mulling and often gets you overwhelmed. But at the mercy of the renting outlets sprouting in every visible corner in Kathmandu, preparing for trekking in Bhutan these days is almost tantamount to equipping yourself for a weekend backpacking trip. Most of the heavy and expensive items are easily available on rent, so you don’t actually have to travel Bhutan with a cartload of gears. We have endeavored to formulate a categorical checklist that gives you a tentative idea regarding the gears and accessories mandatory for you during the trek. The list could vary depending upon the kind of trek you pursue, the terrain, weather conditions and time of the year. For instance, you don’t need the camp-trek equipments when you are on a tea-house trek. This listing below simply serves as a guideline and you can always have your own checklist. It is always preferable to pack light and the key to this is to carry the gears and accessories that have multidimensional uses.
CLOTHING (Core & Lower body)
Water-proof (breathable fabric) jacket, Poncho or Umbrella
Hard shell pants (breathable fabric- 1 set), preferably that zips from top and bottom which can be worn over boots without getting undressed, in case of abrupt weather changes
Fleece jacket or Pullover
Fleece windcheater jacket
Down jacket or a Down vest
T-shirts (2 – 3) and Long-sleeved shirts with collars ( 2- 3 pairs)
Nylon (cotton ought to be strictly avoided) hiking shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
Hiking trousers- one that is detachable from the knees so that the it can be folded up as shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
Thermal underwear as well as synthetic underwear (3 -4 each – avoid cotton)
Synthetic sport brassieres for women (2 pairs- avoid cotton)
Head/Eyes & Hand Gears
Sun hat/cap
Woolen hat or Balaclava
Sunglasses/Goggles (preferably the one with 100% UV protection)
Liner, Synthetic or Thin wool gloves (1 -2 pair)
Warm gloves (designed to the shield the sub-zero temperatures)- 1 pair
Footwear
Trekking boots (1 pair) and spare laces
Running shoes, Sandals or Thongs (flip-flops)- 1 pair each
Hiking gaiters (1 pair) to do away the rocks, dusts and moist feet
Liner socks- preferably synthetic (3 – 4 pairs)
Heavy or wool blend socks (3 – 4 pairs)
Equipments
Backpack/Rucksack
Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it )
Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)
Day sack/Nylon stuff sack
Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but should be returned after the trip)
Water bottle
Good head torch along with spare batteries and bulbs Maps, compass and a guide book
Trekking poles
Miscellaneous Bits
The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find
yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!
Toiletries
Quick-drying camp towel
Detergent powder/bar
Toilet paper
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm
Pocket knife
Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)
Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter
Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms
Stuff sacks
Earplugs
Candlesticks
Medicaments
It is important that you can include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advice you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines
Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)
Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets
Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)
Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)
Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)
Assorted band-aids
Small gauge pad
Roll of adhesive tape
Iodine tablets
Optional Carry
Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trek
Camera, memory card and battery charger
GPS unit Altimeters
Binoculars
Pee bottle for men (leak proof/wide mouth) & Pee funnel for women
Books and magazines
Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.
